Is an all-inclusive a good option for your next family vacation?
Have you ever considered visiting an all-inclusive resort with your family, but you’re not sure if it would be a good fit? This week we’ll talk all about the pros and cons of taking a vacation to an all-inclusive.
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Here is a list of some of the pros and cons of taking a family vacation to an all-inclusive!
Pros
You can set a clear budget and know exactly what you’re going to be paying. Once you arrive at the resort, you’ll have already paid for everything.
Activities and food are included in your stay! When you first arrive at the resort, you’ll be able to look over the schedule and decide which activities you want to attend.
You get to sit back and relax. Most all inclusives have pools with lounge chairs
The resorts are safe. There is tight security when it comes to who can enter the resort.
The staff is very attentive. The staff is always willing to help you figure out transportation to excursions or assist you with any need that you have around the resort.
Many all-inclusive resorts have kids' clubs! You are able to check your kids into these fun kids' clubs while you head off to relax.
All-inclusives are a great option for big group trips. Everyone gets to stay at the same place and is free to choose their own activity! You also have all of the food taken care of! No one has to make the decision about where to eat!
Once you get to the all-inclusive, you can keep your wallet in your room, and not worry about costs adding up.
Cons
You’re less likely to enjoy the culture of the city that you are visiting. Of course, you can leave the resort and go explore, but you will most likely have to spend more money on transportation, food, and excursions.
Extras can add up quickly. Although all of the basics are included, if you want to add on experiences or certain items, it can get pricey. For example, the spa was quite expensive. Also, some resorts charge more for nicer alcohol.
It is very difficult (and often impossible) to sit with large groups for meals. We recently went to an all-inclusive with a group of 15 people, and they would not move tables for all of us to sit together. They said it was company policy (at our resort) that they could not move tables.
The food quality isn’t amazing, but it also isn’t bad! There also wasn’t as much Mexican food available as we’d thought there would be, as we were in Mexico. The food is definitely better once you go into town.
Side note
If you are a yoga or fitness instructor, some resorts will trade you a free vacation for your time teaching classes. I think that this is something super interesting to look into!
I hope this helps you decide whether an all-inclusive resort is the right vacation choice for your family!